The Abominable

It's the abominable snow dog!! Cupcake got so covered in snow she had to hop to move!

What No PJ's???

Every Christmas Eve the kids get new pajamas, until now. I still love the p.j.s from last year and everybody's still fit so what to do???

I made everyone Christmas pillowcases! It was a fun surprise for the kids and they soon snuggled down on their pillows and had a restless nights sleep waiting for Santa to come.

Christmas Cookies

I wonder if any cookie dough will make it into the oven?

Emily is using her Great-Grandma Lundberg's cookie press to make our family favorite, Swedish Spritz cookies.

The elves busy at work!

After the cookie making the wild rumpus begins!

O' Christmas Tree

Each year the kids get a new ornament to add to their collection then we decorate the tree.

Now it really feels (and smells) like Christmas!

Live Nativity

Cody was a shepard in the live nativity that our wards' youth put on this year. As you enter the "city gates" you are lead through Bethlehem and hear the story of Christ's birth. The trip ends in the stable where the youth collect food for the local food bank from any of the visitors that wish to donate. There is always such a sweet spirit here, it is a great way to celebrate Christmas.

Nutcracker

Jenny was in the Nutcracker ballet this year. It sure was a lot of work but it really paid off, this was one of the best productions I have seen. Jenny was the star of the show, I am sure there must have been other people on stage when she was, but I never saw them. These pictures are from the dressed rehearsal. In the party scene she is wearing the green dress and in the Russian dance she is the one not wearing her black tights...oops!

Gingerbread House

This was not the project that I was planning to do, but before I knew what had happened the girls had created this masterpiece.

It is a fabulous piece of real estate that includes a hot chocolate lake with gum drop islands!

Piano Recital

Well the girls were Decking the Halls and Dancing with SugarPlum Fairies. They both did a good job on their songs and I loved hearing the Christmas music while they practiced!

Cherokee Princess

Emily is working on her Cherokee Indian family history here... she even made her own bow and arrows! Watch out!

Photoshoot

What a treat to be able to take some pictures of this cute family. I enjoyed the opportunity and while my kids may have thought this got them out of having their pictures taken, I can assure them, it has only made me 1)want to learn more and 2)want to take more pictures...sorry kids!

Eagle Scout

O.K., I am definiately having a proud parent moment...Cody was presented with his Eagle Award last night and what a reward night it was as a parent. It has been amazing to watch him grow to be the young man that he is.

Happy Halloween

Emily the Gypsy.

Jenny the Easter Bunny.

Cody, Army Special Forces (I guess he'll never out grow this!)

The Loot...organized and ready to trade!

To keep or to trade?

Cody has quite a pile of candy!

Lots of family love to give out after some yummy candy and successful trading for favorites! Successful night!